Attending the Northeast Live Conclave in Guwahati today, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that he is ready to give up the Chief Ministership if an “honorable, acceptable, and inclusive” Naga solution is achieved.
“We’ll pave the way for an alternative arrangement. That commitment is enshrined in our manifesto,” Rio emphasized, highlighting that this stance reflects not only his own but also the collective perspective of all elected members of Nagaland.
He reiterated that should the solution meet the criteria of being “honorable, acceptable, and inclusive,” there is no doubt his government will resign. This decision, he emphasized, is not solely his own but also that of the party and the government.
“If the solution is honorable, acceptable, and inclusive, and there is unity, why should I stand in the way?” he said.
Rio also expressed his belief that following the solution’s attainment, there would be only an interim period before elections. Consequently, he foresaw that, similar to Mizoram, even if the Naga political groups achieve a solution, they will still face electoral consequences if the people disapprove of their governance.
Regarding the delay in reaching a solution, Rio lamented how the Naga issue dates back to pre-independent India.
“An honorable, acceptable, and inclusive solution has been outlined in the Framework Agreement; the ceasefire with IM has been ongoing for 27 years—that is a long time. Even the NNPGs have reached an Agreed Position where mutual understanding exists. Despite acknowledging these milestones, why is progress not occurring on the ground?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for forward momentum and urged all stakeholders to engage in productive collaboration towards resolution.